Methamphetamine, or locally known here in the Philippines as shabu, is a highly addictive drug that has preyed upon millions of Filipinos. Because of the proliferation of drug addiction cases in the country, employers routinely check on employees and new-hires to ensure that they are not using or are working under the influence.

Now, if you have used meth in the past and are worried about how long it stays in the body, it will take some time before it becomes undetectable through drug tests.

People who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, as well as those who are obviously easily addicted to behaviors such as videogames and gambling, have what is called an “addictive personality.” While this is not an actual clinical psychological diagnosis, here are some personality traits that you will notice as common denominators in people with addictions.

Getting off drugs for good isn’t as simple as you think it is. It’s actually a life-long journey. However, by committing to sobriety, you are actually fulfilling the promises you want for yourself which you think you can get by doing drugs.

If you have lived with someone who is addicted to drugs and alcohol, then you know very well that these substances bring nothing but broken hearts and broken promises. If you are someone who is struggling with substance addiction,t hen you know all too well that nothing else comes before your search for the next high brought by these substances. Drugs and alcohol become your higher power, your “god,” your motivation, your driving force, your reason for living. You even think that life will be so much better when you take that hit or shove another drink–but the truth has never been so far. Instead, your life goes through a downward spiral, into a trap that you can’t seem to claw your way out of.

If you are worried that someone you know or care about could be drinking too much, your initial reaction might be to think that he or she may have a drinking problem. Perhaps you have tried to get them to stop drinking or even talked to them about the harmful effects of alcohol. However, having them stop altogether, especially if they are indeed addicted, is easier said than done. Making someone stop drinking can be a path that is not so easy to tread as one wrong move can risk further exacerbating the problem.

The news is filled with drug addicts and pushers surrendering to authorities, yet one thing still hasn’t changed: people’s perception of drugs and addiction. Instead of blaming their morality or lack of self-control, we should treat addicts and give them the help they need in order to have sobriety and an improved quality of life.

The exponential influx of drug addicts and pushers alike surrendering to authorities all over our country sheds light to just how big of a problem drugs is in our country, and why we should wage a war on drugs. According to lawmakers’ statistics, 1 in 10 people are using drugs such as marijuana and shabu (or methamphetamine), yet shabu is considered as their number one drug of choice. Looking at the news in the past years, many of the crimes committed involves illicit substances or have perpetrators under the influence of drugs.

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Now, in the advent of a new administration led by President Rodrigo Duterte, conversation on drugs and addiction becomes louder and more common. Besides, many people now, apparently, are not afraid to admit that they use drugs or are addicted.

Unfortunately, though, the myths and stereotypes still exist. There are still those that blame people for being addicted, attributing their condition to their “choice,” “upbringing,” poverty, or lack of free will. Many also equate addicts to criminals, and think that the only option for them is to be behind bars. There are also those who think that addiction is confined to the poor communities, or that addicts have to be cured so that they will not use anymore. These myths are not helping these addicts who need treatment instead of judgement or prejudice.

Image source: www.dailymail.co.uk

Therefore, it is important to separate the myths from the facts and allow informed and educated conversation on drug and addiction to be at the forefront of all these. By doing so, we prevent people from blaming the addict, which will never help them, and instead see that these addicts need help.

There’s a growing number of mind-altering substances that is causing numerous overdoses and even has some acting like zombies. These substances are called synthetic cannabinoids, with K2 or synthetic marijuana in the forefront.

Synthetic cannabinoids are mind-altering chemicals that are sprayed on dried, shredded plants so they can be smoked or sold as liquids to be used in vapes or e-cigarettes. These cannabinoids are derived from chemicals found in the Indian hemp (Cannabis sativa), where marijuana comes from. Because of their similarities, the synthetic cannabinoids are often called synthetic marijuana or fake weed. Many even market these as safe and legal alternatives to marijuana–which they are absolutely NOT.

For an article titled In Philippines’ War on Drugs, Dealers Choose Retirement Over Death, journalist Trefor Moss interviews Bridges of Hope Program Director Guillermo “Gimo” Gomez. The article, which was published July 14, reports on the thousands of drug dealers and addicts who have voluntarily surrendered themselves to police stations all over the country. This is in light of recently elected President Rodrigo Duterte’s blatant and bloody war on drugs in the Philippines.

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illegal drug in the world. It refers to the dried flowers, seeds, and leaves of the Indian hemp plant. It is usually smoked just like a cigarette (joint) or in a pipe. Some people also mix it with food to eat or brew it as tea. A blunt is also created by opening up cigars, removing the tobacco, and replacing it with marijuana. This drug is also known as dope, ganja, grass, hemp, herb, home grown, J, Mary Jane, pot, reefer, roach, Texas tea, astro turf, and weed.

Marijuana has a stronger counterpart, hashish, which is made from the resins of the Indian hemp plant. Together, marijuana and hashish are called cannabis. The chemical in cannabis that causes its hallucinogenic effects is known as THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. This chemical changes or even distorts how the mind perceives the environment. Read More

Bridges of Hope graces the television screen once again in a timely news program aired on TV5. In line with the President Rodrigo Duterte’s fight against drugs, the spotlight is now on the growing drug problem in the Philippines. This is what BH Program Director Gimo Gomez tackles as he guests on a segment at TV5 The Evening News titled Duty, Devotion, and Service.

“Bath salts” is the common term for synthetic cathinones, which is the counterpart of cathinone, a nature-derived stimulant found in the Khat plant. Khat is a shrub found in East Africa and some parts of Middle East. The leaves of the Khat is chewed for mild stimulant effects. Synthetic cathinones have a stronger stimulating effect, which can often be dangerous.

Bridges of Hope uses Therapeutic Community to treat drug, alcohol, and behavioral addictions

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As a drug addict, I thought I had nothing to hope for. I was physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually messed up...It wasn't easy to change and give up the lifestyle that I was used to. Until I met and got to the place that helped me change my perception and that is Bridges of Hope. The facility helped me know and realize what I am, who I am as a daughter, a friend and a mother.

Testimonials

I am thankful for Bridges of Hope for helping me bring my husband back after many years of being addicted to meth. BH taught him how to be free from drugs, alcohol, and gambling, and find happiness in a positive and sober life.

Grace

Cavite

As a drug addict, I thought I had nothing to hope for. I was physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually messed up...It wasn't easy to change and give up the lifestyle that I was used to. Until I met and got to the place that helped me change my perception and that is Bridges of Hope. The facility helped me know and realize what I am, who I am as a daughter, a friend and a mother.

Ron

Laguna

I thought I lost everything, including myself. With the help of BH and my new-found friends in recovery, I have learned that there IS life after addiction, and now I'm fulfilling my dreams and rebuilding my life with my family. Thank you, Bridges of Hope!